Electromagnetic relay device



Oct. 29, 1946. J. A. FAVRE ELECTROMAGNETIC RELAY DEVICE Filed March 22 1943 Inventdr: John A. Favre,

4 His Attovney.

Patented Oct. 29, 1946 ELECTROMAGNETIC RELAY DEVICE John A. Favre, Drexel Hill, Pa., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application March 22, 1943, Serial No. 480,024

9 Claims.

tion, it is desirable alternatively to connect the aerial to a transmitter or a receiver. Obviously, a device for controlling such connections must be so positive in its action as to insure the connection to the aerial of the desired device, regardless of which of the devices Was last connected thereto. Moreover, if the radio communication equipment is subject to relatively low frequency vibrations and also to shocks, as in installations aboard aircraft, it is especially important that neither the connection of the device in use nor the connection of the device that it is desired to use be disturbed or prevented in consequence of such shocks or vibrations. In other words, if the connection is not positively made and maintained, regardless of shocks and vibrations, the operator may find himself receiving when he wants to send and vice versa. This might Well be dangerous, as in the case of an airplane trying to find and land at an airport under bad weather conditions. Moreover, in the application of electromagnetic relay devices, particularly to aircraft, it is important to avoid the necessity of maintaining the devices continuously energized in order to minimize the drain on the power supply, decrease the weight of the devices, and reduce the possible fire hazard from overheated windings.

An object of my invention is to provide a relatively simple and economical electromagnetic relay device by which one electrical device can be connected to either one of two other electrical devices alternatively with a positive action substantially unaffected by low frequency vibrations and shocks. Another object of my invention is to provide an alternative operation electromagnetic relay device which is capable of maintaining the function last performed without the necessity for keeping the device continuously energized. These and other objects of my invention will appear in more detail hereinafter.

In accordance with my invention, I provide an improved electromagnetic relay device wherein two electromagnetic elements are coordinated in such a manner that the operation of each is dependent on the operation of the other to obtain a desired selectivity of switching operations and, substantially regardless of vibrations and shocks, a positive maintenance of the last connection until such time as another change is desired without the necessity of maintaining the device continuously energized.

My invention will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying sheet of drawings. and its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying sheet of drawings, Fig. 1 is a side elevation of an electromagnetic relay embodying my invention with the parts shown in one switching position; Fig. 2 is a top plan View of the embodiment of my invention shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a partial side elevation of the embodiment of my invention shown in Fig. 1 similar thereto but with the parts shown in a different switching position; and Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective and diagrammatic arrangement illustrating the embodiment of my invention shown in Figs. 1, 2' and 3 as applied to an alternative switching arrangement.

In the illustrated embodiment of my invention, I have shown an electromagnetic relay device comprising two electromagnetic elements 6 and I, respectively, having energizing windings 8 and 9 and armatures I0 and II. The electromagnetic elements 6 and l are suitably secured to a base I2 of suitable insulating material. For economy of space and simplicity in structure, the windings 8 and 9 may be arranged as two spaced substantially coaxial solenoids, as shown. Also, in accordance with my invention, the armature I0 is of the plunger type, and the armature II of the hinged type. Also, as illustrated, the electromagnetic element 6 includes a stationary magnetic structure comprising a generally U-shaped magnetic member I3 and a pole piece I I, and the electromagnetic element I includes a magnetic core and pole piece I5 and a generally U-shaped magnetic member IS, the leg I l of which is suitably shaped to provide a bearing support for the armature II. The armatures I0 and I I are independently biased to their unattracted positions by suitable means, such as springs I8 and I9 respectively.

In accordance with my invention, I provide means for suitably coordinating the movements of the armatures In and II so as to obtain a desired alternative switching arrangement and maintenance of the function last performed without the necessity of keeping the electromagnetic elements 6 and I continuously energized. As

3 shown, this means includes a member 2!] which is mounted to partake of the movement of the armature l3 and is operative upon movement thereof to the unattracted position while the armature i l is in the attracted position to hold this armature in its attracted position after deencrgization of its associated winding 9. Also, the member 20 is operative upon movement of the armature in to the attracted position to release the armature I for movement to the unattracted po sition under the bias of the spring l3. In its unattracted position the armature ii is efiective to maintain the armature id in the attracted position against the bias of the spring Hi. In other words, each armature is effective to hold the other armature in its attracted position so as to maintain the function last performed without the necessity of maintaining the associated energizing winding continuously energized.

In order to obtain the foregoing operation, the member 20 is arranged to be moved into and out of holding engagement with the armature I and vice versa. For this purpose, the member 2|] may be mounted directly near the outer end of the plunger armature l and arranged to engage the I armature through its angularly extending leg 2| which is pivotally supported on the magnet leg H by suitable means, such as a pin 22. In accordance with our invention, the pivotal support 22 of the armature member ||2| is substantially at the center of gravity of this member for dynamic balance in order to minimize response to shocks and vibrations. Clockwise rotation of the armature member ||2| is limited by suitable means such as the head of the pin 22 and a projection 2| on the lower side of the leg 2|. As shown, the biasing spring I9 is a tension spring which is connected between a stationary pin 23 and the armature extension 2|. The member 20, which in Figs. 1, Z and 4 is shown in the unlatched position under the end of the armature extension 2|, is held in place on the armature H) by suitable means, such as a lock washer 24 and a nut 25. For guiding the outer end of the armature H], it may be provided with a reduced diameter extension 26 which is guided in a cylindrical hole in the core l5, as shown in Fig. 1. In order to maintain the desired alignment of the latching member 20 during movement thereof so that it will always be correctly positioned relatively to the end of the extension 2|, the lower end of the member 20 is provided with a suitable notch 21, as shown in Fig. 4, which engages a guide rod 28 mounted between the magnetic members l3 and H5, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1.

Further in accordance with my invention, I provide in circuit with the winding 8 switching means which is arranged to be controlled by the movement of the armature H and is operative upon movement thereof to the unattracted position to open the circuit of the winding 8. As shown, .this switching means comprises a movable conducting member 29 which may have a generally U-shaped form, as shown more clearly in Fig. 4, and which is arranged to partake of the movement of the armature H and may be secured directly thereto as shown. This switching member 29 is provided with two contact portions 30, 3B which, in the attracted position of the armature l5, engage stationary contacts 3|, 3| associated with terminals 32, 32' suitably mounted on the base l2.

Also, in accordance with my invention, I provide in circuit with the winding 9 switching means which is arranged to be controlled by the movement of the armature l3 and which is operative upon movement thereof to the unattractecl position to eifect deenergization of the winding i]. As shown, this switching means comprises a T-shaped, circuit controlling member 33 which is mounted to move with the armature 10. For this purpose, it may be mounted on the armature to seat against a shoulder thereon just back of the latching member 23, as shown more clearly in Figs. 1 and 3. In Fig. 4, the latching member and the circuit controlling member 33 are, for purposes of clearness in the diagrammatic showing, illustrated much farther apart than is actually the case. In order to maintain the alignment of the circuit controlling member 33, it is provided with a suitable notch 34 which engages the guide rod 28. The biasing spring I8 is shown as a compression spring mounted between the magnet leg 35 and the leg of the circuit controlling member 33.

As shown, the circuit controlling member 33 is provided with two contact carrying arms 35 and 31 and is, in effect, a double pole double throw switch. The contact arm 36 is provided with a contact 38, and the contact arm 31 is provided with a contact 39. In the attracted position of the plunger armature I3, the contact 38 is arranged to engage a contact 4?] secured to a terminal 41 on the base I2, and the contact 39 is arranged to engage a contact 42 secured to a terminal 43 mounted on the base l2. In the unattracted position of the plunger armature Hi, the contact 38 is arranged to engage a contact 44 secured to a terminal 45 mounted on the base |2 and the contact 39 is arranged to engage a contact 45 secured to a terminal 41 mounted on the base l2. The base |2 may further be provided with terminals 53 and 5| for permanent connections to the base and flexible connections to the contact arms 31 and 36, respectively. For simplicity in assembly and general rigidity of structure as well as to secure the desired high insulating properties required for use under certain conditions, the contact terminals 32, 32, Al, 43, 45, 41, 5t} and 5| may be mounted on contact rails 52 and 53 of suitable insulating material secured to the base i2, as shown more clearly in Fig. 2. Further terminals 54 and 55 are also provided for connections which do not require such a high degree of insulation.

In order to prevent false operation of the electromagnetic device above described under vibrations particularly of a relatively low frequency and under substantial shock especially so as not to aiTect the positive closing of the contacts and maintaining them closed, I keep the mass of the moving parts relatively small and use relatively strong springs. Also, for freedom from shock in the latched position, the construction of the latch member 2|) and the armature H and its mounting is such as to provide the maximum resistance to dynamic unbalance. The combination of the relatively strong, plunger type electromagnet 6 with the dynamically balanced, hinged armature member ||-2| of the electromagnet 1 provides a good shockand vibrationproof relay because the spring l3 furnishes sufficient force to hold the armature m, the latch 23, the contact arm 33, and associated contacts in the unlatched position, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, even under conditions of shock and vibration such as this relay is intended to withstand. To facilitate this, the moving parts I8, I0, 20, 33, etc., are made as light as possible.

When the relay is in the latched position shown in Fig. 3, it is maintained in that position under conditions of vibration or shock by the extension 2| of the dynamically balanced armature member |l-2| latching with the member 29 under the bias of the spring l9. In other words, in the unlatched position shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, the spring l8 overcomes the inertia of the lightweight parts and prevents motion or separation of the contacts 39, 46 and 38, 44 relatively to each other. Similarly, in the latched position, as shown in Fig. 3, the dynamically balanced armature member ||-2l insensitive to shock and assisted by spring l9 holds the member 20 in positive contact against the pressure of spring |8.

thereby maintaining the contacts 39, 42 and 38, 40 in a positively closed condition.

For the purpose of explaining my invention, it will be assumed that it is desired to connect alternatively and at will the terminal 50 to one or the other of the terminals 43 and 41 in response to the operation of two manually controlled switches 56 and 5!, shown only in Fig. 4. Assuming first that the last operation performed was such as to leave the parts positioned as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, then the terminal 53 is connected to the terminal 41 through a flexible lead 50, the switch arm 31 and'the contacts 39 and 46. If now it is desired to change the con nection so as to connect terminal 50 to terminal 43, then the switch 56 is closed. Then, with reference to Fig. 4, this completes the circuit of the winding 8 of the electromagnetic element 6 as follows: from one side of the source, indicated as plus, through the switch 56, a conductor '58. the terminal 32, the contacts 3| and 30, the switch arm 29, the contacts 30' and 3|, the terminal 32, a conductor 59, the winding 8, a conductor 66, and the terminal 54 to the other side of the source, indicated as minus. Upon completion of the circuit of the winding 8, the armature I is moved to the attracted position since the circuit of the winding 9 is open at contacts 38 and 40, as will be obvious from Fig. 4. Upon movement of the armature II) to the attracted position, the contact 39 is moved from contact 46 to contact 42 to bring about the desired switching change.

At the same time, the contact 38 is moved to engage the contact 46. Upon movement of the latch 20, the armature I I under the bias of the spring |9 moves to the unattracted position and the contacts 3|. 36 and 3|, 30' are separated, thereby opening the circuit of the winding 8, The latch 29 is now positively held in the latched position since the end of the armature extension 2! falls behind it under the bias of the spring l9 so as positively to maintain the contacts 39, 42 and 38, 40 in the closed position while the contacts 39, 3| and 39', 3| are positively maintained in the open position by the force of the spring l9.

If now it is desired to switch back to the original position, that is to say, to connect the terminal 50 to the terminal 41, then the switch is closed. This completes the circuit of the winding 9 from one side of the source, indicated as plus, through the switch 51, a conductor 6|, the terminal 4|, the contacts 46 and 38, the switch arm 36, a conductor 62, the terminal 5|, a conductor 63, the winding 9, a conductor 64, and. the terminal 55 to the other side of the source, indicated as minus. Upon energization of the winding 9, the armature II is moved to the attracted position which takes the blocking action away from the armature I0. Consequently, under the strong bias of the spring I8, the armature N1, the switch.

ing member 33 and the latch member 20 are quickly returned to the position shown in Fig. 1 to restore the connections to the condition shown in Fig. 4,

While I have indicated the sources of energization of the windings 8 and 9 by plus and minus busses, it is to be understood that my invention is not limited to energization by direct current but is equally applicable to an alternating current source of energization.

rom the foregoing, it will be observed that in either the attracted or unattracted positions of the armatures l9 and II, they are forcibly blocked or held against movement which prevents any false operation of the switching members 29 and 33 in consequence of relatively severe vibrations and shock. Moreover, it will be apparent that the blocking action once it is established is independent of energization of the windings 8 and 9 Also, it will be observed that because of the coordinated arrangement of the two armatures, if the operator should inadvertently push the wrong switch, that is to say, if the switch 5'! were inadvertently actuated while the parts are positioned as shown in Figs. 1 and 4, there would be no change in the switching connections, In other words, the arrangement of the parts is such that the relay device is so positive in its action as to insure the connection of one device to either of two desired devices, regardless of which of these last devices was last connected to the one device.

The conductors 50', 58, 59, 60, 6|, 62, 63, and 64, referred to in connection with Fig. 4, are not shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 in order to avoid confusion in illustration of structure,

While I have shown and described my invention in considerable detail, I do not desire to be limited to the exact arrangements shown, but seek to cover in the appended claims all those modifications that fall within the true spirit an scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is: v

1. An electromagnetic device comprising a hinged armature and a plunger armature,'each armature having a blocking and a blocked position, means for mechanically interlocking said armatures to prevent movement of either armature from its blocked position to its blocking position when the other armature is in its blocking position, means for moving an armature from its blocking position to its blocked position, and means for moving an armature from its blocked position to its blocking position when the other armature is moved to its blocked position.

2. A relay device comprising two electromagnetic elements, each having an energizing winding, a dynamically balanced hinged armature associated with one of said windings, a plunger armature associated with the other of said windings, means independently biasing each of said armatures for movement to the unattracted position, and means controlled by the movement of said armatures operative upon movement of either armature to the attracted position and the other armature to the unattracted position to maintain the attracted armature in the attracted position irrespective of the maintenance of the energization of the associated winding.

3. An electromagnetic relay device comprising two spaced substantially coaxial solenoids, a plunger armature associated with one of said solenoids and a hinged armature associated with the other of said solenoids, the movements of said armatures being arranged to be controlled in response to the energization of said solenoids, resilient means independently biasing each of said armatures for movement to the unattracted position, and a member mounted between said solenoids to partake of the movement of said lunger armature and constructed and arranged upon movement thereof to the unattracted position while the hinged armature is in the attracted position to hold the hinged armature in the attracted position after dcenergization of its associated solenoid and upon movement of the plunger armature to the attracted position to release the hinged armature for movement to the unattracted position, said hinged armature being constructed and arranged upon movement to the unattracted position to abut said member and hold said plunger armature in the attracted position.

4. A relay device comprising two electromagnetic elements, one having a plunger armature and the other a hinged armature, each of said armatures being independently biased for movement to the unattracted position, and a member mounted to partake of the movement of said plunger armature operative upon movement thereof to the unattracted position while the hinged armature is in the attracted position to hold the hinged armature in th attracted position after deenergization of its associated electromagnetic element and upon movement of the plunger armature to the attracted position to release said hinged armature for movement to the unattracted position, said hinged armature being constructed and arranged upon movement to the unattracted position to engage said member and hold said plunger armature in the attracted position.

5. A relay device comprising two electromagnetic elements, each havin an energizing winding, a plunger armature associated with one of said windings, a hinged armature associated with the other of said windings, means independently biasing each of said armatures for movement to the unattracted position, and a member mounted to partake of the movement of said plunger armature operative upon movement thereof to the unattracted position while said hinged armature is in the attracted position to hold the hinged armature in the attracted position after deenergization of its associated windin and upon movement of said plunger armature to the attracted position to release said hinged armature for movement to the unattracted position, said hinged armature being constructed and arranged upon movement to the unattracted position to engage said member and hold said plunger armature in the attracted position.

6. An electromagnetic relay device comprising two spaced substantially coaxial solenoids, one having a plunger armature and the other a hinged armature, each of said armatures being independently biased for movement to the unattracted position, and a member mounted between said solenoids to partake of the movement of said plunger armature and constructed and arranged upon movement thereof to the unattracted position while the hinged armature is in the attracted position to hold the hinged armature in the attracted position after deenergization of its associated solenoid and upon movement of the plunger armature to the attracted position to release said hinged armature for movement to the unattracted position, said hinged armature being constructed and arranged upon movement to the unattracted position to abut said member and hold said plunger armature in the attracted position.

7. An electromagnetic device comprising a hinged armature and a plunger armature, each armature havin a blocking and a blocked positi-on, means for mechanically interlocking said armatures to prevent movement of either armature from its blocked position to its blocking position when the other armature is in its blocking position, means comprising two spaced substantially coaxial solenoids respectively associated with said armatures for moving the associated armature from its blocking position to its blocked position, and means for moving each armature from its blocked position to its blocking position when the other armature is moved to its blocked position.

8. A relay device comprising an electromagnet having a hinged armature, a rectilinearly movable member for blocking said armatur in one position, means tending to move said member to the blocking position, electromagnetic means for moving said member from the blocking position, and means tending to move said armature to another position upon movement of said member from the blocking position, said armature being arranged in said other position to engage said member when out of the blocking position to prevent movement of the member to the blocking position.

9. A relay device comprising an electromagnet having a hinged armature, a rectilinearly movable member for blocking said armature in the attracted position, resilient means tending to move said member to the blocking position, electromagnetic means for moving said member from the blocking position, and resilient means tending to move said armature to the unattracted position upon movement of said member from the blocking position, said armature being arranged in the unattracted position to engage said member when out of the blocking position to prevent movement of the member to the blocking position,

JOHN A. FAVRE. 

